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CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Heavy rain and a severe thunderstorm moved through western Massachusetts, Wednesday evening, causing massive power outages and tree damages.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning and Flash Flood Warning were issued for Hampden, Hampshire, Berkshire and Franklin Counties, but they all expired by 6:30 p.m. A Flash Flood Watch was in effect for all the counties as well, but that was also expired by 10:00 p.m.

Thunderstorms with heavy downpours moved across western Massachusetts Wednesday evening, and some locations had rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to occur. It is different from a Severe Thunderstorm Warning, which means that severe weather is already happening, or is imminent.

A Flash Flood Warning is issued for rapid and potentially life threatening flooding. In urban areas avoid flooded roads and obey road closures. Those near small streams must head for higher ground immediately.

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.